Getting Lost and Finding Adventure

I had just gotten back into good ole US of A and I was looking for adventure. Lucky for me I didn't have to look very hard because fate had decided that Jake and I would be in the same place at the same time. Well, this was perfect because if anyone was down for an adventure it would be Jake. So we meet up, spend that night a friends house and decide to go climbing the next day.

Wake up, eat breakfast and out the door to adventure. Jake has brought a guide book to all of the climbing in Washington and we are pretty smart guys so we will figure it out. We set off to the east to the nearest climbing area and turn on the tunes. After a short car ride later we are turning off the highway towards the small town of North Bend. Following the guide book to our destination we get there without incident. But upon arrival Jake mentions to me, "So yeah, this guide book is 15 years old, but I'm pretty sure it's accurate. I mean rocks don't change right?" We set out on what we believe is the right path up towards the rock wall, less then a ten minute approach to the wall according to the guide book. After about 15 minutes of walking we aren't near anything that looks remotely like a good climbing wall. But we did have a nice little hike and some good pictures. (Story continued below)

So after going a ways up the trail we realize the error of our ways, turn back and begin the search again. After scouring the area and analyzing every part of the guide books instructions we decided to call it a lost cause, obviously something has happened in the last 15 years and the trail is gone. So we decided to hop back in the truck and head back in to town for some Taco Bell.

Not wanting to waste the afternoon I suggest we take the scenic way back through North Bend. We turn out on to the road and start rolling along with the windows down enjoying the sunshine. After a few minutes of cruising Jake says to me, "Dude, check out that rock thing over there." Not being able to whip my head around fast enough I assume he is talking about the mountain in the distance. "Yeah, that's a pretty nice mountain." I say. A look of excitement flashes across Jake's face and he says, "No! Turn around! I think there was something in the park." I turn around and pull into the park and by the power of Grayskull! It's a miracle! A man made climbing wall right in the park, for anyone to use.

Needless to say, Jake and I had a ridiculously good time. The day turned out to be a huge success and if you are ever in Washington state and you are looking for a fun afternoon, North Bend is a hidden Gem.